The urban and open space design “PLURIVERSAL LANDSCAPE,” developed by Office for Living Architecture (OLA), Studio Animal-Aided Design, and Studio Cross Scale (SCS) in collaboration with Burkhard Horn and Transsolar, was awarded second place in the ideas competition for the Ostfeld urban development project in Wiesbaden. The design positions the Ostfeld urban district as an innovative model for a “pluriversal” urban landscape, synergistically integrating urban neighborhoods and natural spaces.

The core structure of the design is guided by the site’s landscape and urban climatic conditions. Diverse transition zones, known as ecotones, connect the urban districts with the surrounding rural uses. These corridors provide both aesthetic and ecological benefits: they function as open space zones that absorb rainwater and mitigate urban heat through evaporative cooling. At the same time, they create an interconnected green mobility network that promotes walking and cycling while ensuring high ecological permeability.

A key component of the concept is comprehensive rainwater management. A system of retention areas, swales, and cisterns ensures sustainable water management. Rainwater is collected, stored, and used for irrigating the district’s vegetation, maintaining a local ecological water cycle. Treated greywater is also utilized for irrigation and serves as a thermal reservoir for the district’s anergy network.

The promotion of biodiversity is a central aspect of the design. Various biotope structures, such as hedgerows, meadow borders, field margins, and woodland edges, create valuable habitats for native animal species. The ecotones make a significant contribution to biological diversity and provide residents with the opportunity to experience nature close to their homes or workplaces. Extensive gardens and parks emphasize the natural character of the open spaces and foster long-term resilience and a high quality of life for both people and animals.

The mobility concept for Ostfeld focuses on environmentally friendly, soft traffic infrastructure. A “green network” of pedestrian and cycling paths links the various districts, while a central tram line and a bus line connect the outer areas and campus zones. Traffic areas are minimized to make room for green and recreational spaces, creating an urban environment that supports sustainable mobility solutions despite high population density.

The Ostfeld project serves as a pioneer for holistic, nature-oriented urban development that integrates the needs of people, plants, and animals, fostering a close relationship between urban living and nature.